In Search Of His Roots

It is said that on one of her walks from the temple back home, Ravi Varma's mother Umaymaba Bayi was possessed by the spirit residing in this aalamaram (Banyan tree).

Inside Ravi Varma's studio which houses reproductions of some of his works as well as a marble bust of his sister Mangala Bayi.

Painting from dawn till dusk, Ravi Varma (centre) would take a break only after that, and would unwind listening to stories from the epics and puranas.

Ravi Varma's uncle, mentor and guru, Raja Raja Varma himself was an extraordinary artist and nurtured the young boy's talent.

Ravi Varma's uncle had a penchant for depicting flora and fauna. This mural in Kilimanoor depicts a battlefield scene.

The mural of a horse on one of the walls in the house.

Ravi Varma's contemporary, Mukundan Thampi, who greatly admired the master artist, followed his style of art. Shown here are the pencils that Thampi used for his sketches.

Ravi Varma regarded Thampi highly saying: "should Thampi focus on his work, he would sweep the rest of us off with a stroke of his brush."

Thampi treasured Ravi Varma's mundu (dhoti) as a souvenir.

Ravi Varma has been commissioned to paint a portrait of Swati Thirunal but was unable to do so owing to the latter’s illness. The letter mentioned how pained he is at Swati Thirunal's suffering.

Ravi Varma writes how Swati Thirunal, who is suffering from smallpox, is in great pain and as such he wants to return back home.

Ravi Varma works were used in various segments and collectors of his art came in different kinds. This postcard collector, for obvious reasons, rates Shakuntala Patralekhan highly.